Medellín Comuna 13 Walking Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Street Art & Stories in Medellín’s Comuna 13

Experience Medellín’s Comuna 13 on foot with a local guide: see vibrant street art, ride the outdoor escalators, and meet residents proud of their community’s transformation. You’ll taste local snacks, hear real stories, and leave with memories that stay long after you’ve left those painted hills behind.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I was a little nervous before our Comuna 13 tour in Medellín. You hear stories, you know? But as soon as we met our guide (Andrés, who grew up nearby), that faded. He greeted us with this huge smile and started telling us about his childhood here — not just the hard parts, but the music, the neighbors, the way people look out for each other. It felt like walking with a friend who really wanted us to see his home for what it is now.

The first thing that hit me was the color — murals everywhere, some wild and bright, others almost hidden behind laundry lines or kids playing fútbol in the street. Andrés stopped at one wall and explained how each painting had its own story; he even pointed out his cousin’s work (I tried to say “hermoso” right and he laughed). The electric escalators were buzzing with chatter and music from someone’s speaker — I didn’t expect escalators to feel so lively. There was this smell of arepas grilling somewhere close by, mixing with spray paint and rain on concrete. It’s hard to describe but it sticks with you.

We saw groups of kids weaving between tourists and locals selling mango slices dusted with salt. At one point, an older woman waved us over just to ask where we were from — she seemed genuinely happy we’d come to see her neighborhood changing for the better. That moment felt important somehow. The whole day trip through Comuna 13 from central Medellín made me realize how much pride people have here; it’s not just about urban art or history lessons, it’s about resilience you can actually feel in the air.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Street Art and Community History

• Explore street art, electric escalators, and community stories

Day 2 — Colorful Houses and Local Life

• Discover urban art and vibrant local culture

Top questions

How long does the Comuna 13 walking tour last?

The tour covers multiple highlights over one day but exact duration isn’t specified.

Is pickup included for the Comuna 13 tour?

The tour includes a licensed guide and driver; public transportation options are also nearby.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available and all fitness levels are welcome.

Will we see street art during the Comuna 13 tour?

Yes, you’ll see lots of urban art throughout Comuna 13 as part of the experience.

Is this a private or group tour?

The description doesn’t specify if it’s private or group; check when booking for details.

What’s included

Your experience includes a licensed local guide who shares personal stories and history along the route, plus a driver for convenience getting there. Public transport is also an option if you prefer. Specialized infant seats are available so families can join easily too.